** The 2012 Spirit of Portland Awards nomination form is here. The Spirit of Portland Awards are Portland's annual celebration of people and groups doing good work (paid and/or volunteer) in the City of Roses. Please look over the application and send in your nominations by September 5 at 4 p.m. The awards ceremony will be held in a community venue at the end of October.

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** Register your National Night Out street party for the first week in August here!

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Nominations are open for the Making A Difference Awards 2012 which will be presented October 23 at the Connecting Communities Coalition's fall event, "Branch Out." The City honors individuals and groups making a difference in the Portland disability community every year with these Awards.

Anyone who knows a business, organization, individual or youth who deserves recognition for work that promotes equity; breaks down barriers, both physical and social; encourages the elevation of the disability community through employment, art, access or health; or other examples that may deserve recognition is encouraged to submit a nomination.

Nominations may be made on the form here. The form also has information for submitting in person, by regular mail or email. The deadline for nominations is September 1, 2012.